Route Category

Route Category is an assignment that indicates the speed range that a rider will need to maintain in order to ride the route with the front group doing that route.  The primary purpose of the categories is to reduce the likelihood of a rider being dropped and left alone on a route. Of course, you have the right to ride any route at any pace that you wish. Our Route Category assignment indicates the likely speed range of the front group doing that route.

Our categories are:

D: 12-13 MPH

  • Very casual rides generally of distances under 30 miles
  • Regrouping is frequent on no-drop routes
  • New cyclists should start here

C: 14-16 MPH

  • “C” rides are more casual than “A” and “B” rides
  • Stops and regroup points are used on no-drop routes
  • Fit riders unsure of the route should start here
  • Most of our no-drop routes will fall in this category

B: 17-18 MPH

  • Strong riders looking for a challenge but not a hammerfest should start here
  • Regroup points are few and far between
  • Riders should be comfortable with the route and be able to support themselves should there be mechanical problems
  • Stops and regroup points will be designated by group decision

A: 19+ MPH

  • These rides are for very strong riders wanting a very hard workout
  • Regroup points are few and far between
  • Riders should be comfortable with the route and be able to support themselves should there be mechanical problems
  • Stops and regroup points will be designated by group decision

Our no-drop routes are always Category C or D rides. The terrain and the make-up of the riders may determine whether the ride is a C or D.

The current ranges are our starting point. We might adjust them based on member feedback.